Family handoutFormer England rugby international Tom Voice is feared dead by police after he went missing in an area of Northumberland which was flooded during Storm Drag.
Northumbria Police began searching for him on Sunday lunchtime when the 43-year-old did not return home from an evening out with friends.
It is suspected that Mr Wyse tried to cross Aberwick Ford near Alnwick in his car which was swept away by the river’s current.
Officers have since recovered the vehicle, but a force spokesman said: “It is believed he was swept away in his attempt to escape and tragically died.”
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Section, National Police Air Service, drones and dog handlers were deployed in the search.
Volunteers from two Northumberland-based mountain rescue teams are also helping Mr Wyse’s family and friends.
His wife Anna and his family thanked police, friends and the local community for all the help and support.
Ch Supt Helena Barron said: “This is a very sad incident and our thoughts are with Tom’s loved ones at this time.
“Our search continues but we are dealing with very difficult conditions in trying to recover Tom.
“It depends on the conditions, including the flow of the river and the significantly higher levels we experienced over the weekend.”
A team from Northumberland Fire Service towed Mr Wyse’s car to the riverbank, but the brigade has since been called off from the search.
P.AMr Vice, from Truro in Cornwall, was capped nine times for England between 2001 and 2006.
He played for Wasps, Bath and Gloucester before retiring from the game in 2013, and has been living in Alnwick since 2020.
England Rugby said in a statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom Wyse’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Gloucester Rugby added: “Deeply saddened to hear the distressing news about our former player and friend Tom Voyce.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”